Every day, each of us participates in dozens of seemingly minor social interactions: from buying our morning coffee to casually passing someone in the hallway. For most of us, these become automatic. For someone recovering from neuro trauma, there is nothing minor about utilizing social skills in any level of communication. At Life Skills Village, we believe in helping our patients redevelop their social skills via education, rehearsal, reintegration and discovering an altruistic purpose in their lives. This purpose can do so much more than provide meaning in our patients’ lives – it promotes the neuroplasticity so critical for true rehabilitation.

Neuro trauma or otherwise, altruism makes people happier even than spending money on themselves.[1]“Giving to charity activates brain regions associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust. Scientists also believe that altruism may trigger the release of endorphins in the brain, giving us a ‘helper’s high.’”[2] Perhaps most important for people with neuro trauma: altruism promotes social connections. “When we give to others, they feel closer to us, and we also feel closer to them. ‘Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably,’ writes psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness, and this ‘fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.’”[3]

Obviously, this is important for all of us as social beings. But for someone with neuro trauma, these social interactions actually promote neuroplasticity[4], which is the essentially the brain optimizing itself as a result of behavioral change or to accommodate an injury.

Being altruistic doesn’t require a big dollar donation or a massive dedication of time and energy. In fact, altruism can be integrated into those “seemingly minor” social interactions mentioned earlier. Below are 47 socially positive, altruistic actions that can be used for developing social skills and uncovering a meaningful purpose in life.5 Integrate several of these into your daily routine and it won’t be long before you notice positive differences in your own life - neuro trauma or otherwise.

29. Utilize social media to promote a non-profit to friends and as a tool to meet new friends online. If yousign an online petition that means something to you, pass it along to friends who may share your opinion.

30. Acknowledge the inspiration you get from someone else when you create something original. Do this in person or post “shout outs” on social media.

31. Express your gratitude when someone makes even the smallest difference in your day and/or life. Saying “thank you” never goes out of style.

32. Buy coffee and bagels and drop them off at your local fire house. Firemen are on call 24-hours a day for several days at a time and, since they generally cook for themselves, always appreciate something fresh.

33. Thank a member of the Armed Services, a policeman or fireman for their selfless service. Be sure togive them a good firm handshake. No one appreciates a firm handshake like a soldier.(6)

34. Buy 10 lottery tickets and give them away to random people on the street, wishing them good luck as you do.

35. Hide notes of encouragement for people where they will find them.

36. Visit someone who is homebound or ill. Offer to help any way you can – even a short conversation can brighten their day.

37. Take the time and show some interest in the lives of the people you encounter every day – from the clerk at the dry cleaner to your barista.

38. Forgive a debt that someone owes you.

39. Grow your hair long and donate the ponytail to Locks of Love.

40. Bring your co-workers a special treat like homemade brownies.

41. Read a book to a sick child at your local Children’s Hospital.

42. Help someone lose weight by becoming their exercise buddy.

43. Be nice to the telemarketer calling you during dinner. Remember: everyone has to make a living.

44. Return a shopping cart for someone at the grocery store. This benefits the person you’re doing it for as well as the store employee wrangling carts.

In neuro rehab – as in life – every act has significance. Taking altruistic action has countless benefits, but especially to those with neuro trauma. Even a little fulfillment can lead to exponential enjoyment of life and the improved function that can come with heightened neuroplasticity.

A list like this is never exhaustive. Please add your own ideas by leaving a comment.

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About the Doc

Dr. Bryan Weinstein is a practicing psychiatrist with certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has practiced psychiatric pharmacology and psychotherapy since 1997. Dr. Weinstein is the CEO of Life Skills Village.